MSCB 2018 CONVENTION ANNOUNCEMENT

Mountain State Council of the Blind convention weekend from September 28 thru 30 is fast approaching. Make your plans now to attend the convention at the Days Inn, Flatwoods, WV, the geographical center of the state from north to south. This weekend will offer information, new ideas and fun-filled activities.

Friday evening’s dinner will be on your own. The Days Inn offers a complimentary continental breakfast to hotel guests on Saturday and Sunday mornings. MSCB will pay for the banquet for those whose PAID pre-registrations are received by Sept. 21st. All pre-registrations with payment received by Sept. 21st will be entered into a drawing to have their 2019 membership dues paid.

MSCB will reimburse two nights’ hotel costs to the first two applications received which meet the following eligibility requirements. The applicants must be blind/visually impaired, and either a nonmember or MSCB member attending the convention for the first time. Application information is available by contacting Kathy Gerhardt, Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee; phone: (304) 283-7424 or email: kathy39lg@aol.com. If you qualify for this hotel reimbursement, take advantage of the opportunity to reduce your weekend expenses.

The convention will be September 28 thru 30. Activities begin Friday afternoon with registration from 1:00 to 1:30 pm. Between 1:30 and 3:00 pm, a demonstration of audible direct tv and other information will be available. A training/assistance in the use of iPhones and android phones will be available. Also, information about I Can Connect will be available. During this time an Escape Room activity will be available.

A free tour of the Sutton Dam will be available between 3:00 and 5:00 pm. After you have had your dinner, the annual auction will begin at 7:30 pm.

The Saturday Convention program sessions include an update of activities and events of the American Council of the Blind; new medical updates on a genetic eye condition; WV services and programs for the blind from the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services and the WV Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. Everyone will enjoy a box lunch before the MSCB’s annual business meeting which will be Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 4:00. The banquet with speaker and recognitions will follow at 7:00 pm. The convention concludes with Sunday breakfast and a post-convention Board of Directors brief meeting.

Please donate door prizes to be enjoyed by all. Bring items for the auction which are new or in good condition (no used clothing). There is always time to socialize with friends and new acquaintances.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS:

A block of rooms has been reserved for Mountain State Council of the Blind at the rate of $89.99 per room per night for two adults, plus tax. The rate for four adults per room per night is $99.99, plus tax. A limited number of wheelchair accessible rooms are available. A dog relief area will be designated. Reservations to the hotel MUST be made by September 18th and guaranteed with a credit card or one night’s payment to hold your room until arrival. Reservations received after this date will be accepted on a rate and space availability. No charge will be assessed if cancellations are made 24 hours before the day of arrival. Be sure to say you are with MSCB. Check-in time is 3:00 pm and check-out time is 11:00 am. Please reserve your room and registration early. Join us at the Days Inn Hotel and Conference Center where there will be something for everyone.

REGISTRATION AND REMINDERS:

Pre-registration and payment of $25.00 for the full weekend (includes two meals) must be received by Sept. 21 to insure meals. Registration received after this date or on site for the full weekend will be $35.00.

Registration packets may be picked up at the following times:
Friday from 1:00 to 1:30 pm and Saturday from 8:00 to 8:15 am. Please bring items for the auction that are new or in good condition (no used clothing). Please send Cindy a list of your auction items and suggested value by Sept. 7th if possible. Remember to bring cash or checks. We can accept debit cards on site

You may pre-register and submit payment online by using the online form.

For questions about the convention or MSCB, please call Convention Chair Glen Pinkard at (304) 822-7123.

We hope to see you in Flatwoods. Let’s make this our best convention ever!